Hoping the Doctor can help

[Jana83]

Hi All

I have not been diagnosed with a Thyroid issue yet but am seeing the Dr on Monday about having a blood test.

I have been feeling really run down, forgetful, tired and just generally miserable for the last 6 months or so. In April I had to stop taking the Combination Pill due to migraines and risk of stroke and was given the Mini Pill instead. About a month ago I noticed that more of my hair was falling out when showering - a small side effect of the new pill (so the booklet said). I met with the Dr last week to arrange a repeat prescription and I mentioned the hair loss. The Dr was unconcerned and sent me on my way.

A few days later I mentioned the hair loss to my work colleague and she asked if maybe I had a Thyroid problem? It had never occurred to me but after looking up the symptoms, I really feel it could be a strong possibility.

I have fatigue / no weight loss (despite healthy eating and exercise) / cold intolerance / hair loss / memory problems / irritability and depression.

I experienced a similar period of "unwellness" 4 years ago when I started a new job and moved house. I had a blood test but the results were never fully explained and I was given some pills (what they were I don't know) to help with my "depression". I stopped taking them for 4 days as I didn't feel comfortable.

But, going back to the symptoms above, I doubled checked my results on-line and found that I was tested for TSH in 2014. My result was 1.8 which is in the normal range.

When I visit the Dr on Monday, should I asked for the T3 and T4 test too? I'm worried about getting fobbed off as my previous result was normal.

I feel so unlike myself that I feel like I'm going crazy. I have zero energy and nil get up and go.

Thanks

Jo

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Jana

Print off the list of hypothyroid signs and symptoms here thyroiduk.org/tuk/about_the... and tick any that apply. Show these to your GP.

Ask for a full thyroid panel to include

TSH

FT4

FT3

Thyroid antibodies

You probably wont get them all but see what you can get for starters.

Because hairloss can be due to low ferritin, and some symptoms of hypothyroidism and low vitamin/mineral levels can overlap, also ask for

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

Again, you may not get them all but see how it goes.

When booking thyroid tests, always book the very first appointment of the morning and fast overnight (water allowed) . This gives the highest possible TSH which is needed when looking for a diagnosis, (also when an increase in dose of thyroid meds or to avoid a reduction. TSH is highest early morning and lowers throughout the day. It can also lower after eating and coffee also affects TSH. These are patient to patient tips which we don't discuss with doctors or phlebotomists.

Get a print out of the test results (not verbal or handwritten, ensure it's a print out as mistakes can be made), make a new post with them, include the reference ranges (they will be in brackets or at the side of the actual result) and members will comment.

[Jana83 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Wow - thanks so much. I had printed out a similar list but the link you have provided is much more concise.

Hopefully I can get a morning appointment but was also considering buying a kit on-line - via the Thyroid UK website?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Jana83]

Jana

Many of us do private tests with the labs recommended by TUK.

At the moment, the best value is with Medichecks Thyroid UltraVit which includes everything I mentioned above.

medichecks.com/thyroid-func...

If you order before the end of October and use code MED99 you get 20% off the normal price. It can be done by fingerprick or venous blood draw (extra cost) if you prefer.

[shaws Administrator in reply to Jana83]

It's best to get your doctor's test first - because if your TSH is above 10 he has to prescribe and they wont take notice of Labs outside the NHS.

Follow SeasideSusie's information on how to get the best results on your test. This is because the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is from the Pituitary Gland - not thyroid gland and they've been told not to diagnose until figure reaches 10. Some doctors might prescribe if they know any clinical symptoms and you have some of them.

The labs on TUK's website are also good but your GP may not take notice of them. On the other hand he may as usually the NHS only does TSH and T4 whereas you can get all the ones necessary.

[Jana83]

UPDATE - the Dr didn't seem all that convinced when I visited on Monday but she did put in my request for a blood test, which I had yesterday (Tuesday) morning.

I now have a 7 day wait for the results - will post another update later